IIT Madras Incubated Centre Launches 4 Foundational AI Models for Indian Languages Supported by Education Ministry

IIT Kharagpur Applies for MD, IIT Madras Plans MBBS: IITs, IISc Redefine Medical Education

India's premier engineering institutes (IITs, IISc) are entering medical education, signaling a paradigm shift under NEP 2020. IIT Kharagpur applied for MD (March 2026), IIT Madras plans MBBS, and IISc's Tata Medical School will offer MD-PhD from 2027. This convergence aims to create 'physician-scientists' and reduce medical device imports, but faces regulatory and capital challenges.

India's R&D Spend Stagnant at 0.64% GDP, Only 2,500 Postdoc Positions Fuelling Brain Drain

India's gross expenditure on R&D has stagnated at 0.64% of GDP for two decades, with only 2,500 postdoctoral positions nationally. This chronic underfunding—$13 per person vs. China's $250 and the US's $2,100—is driving an estimated 95% of Indian postdocs abroad. The article examines systemic flaws in India's research ecosystem and the transformative potential of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

TN Launches ARIVU Curriculum with AI Focus for Classes I-XII from 2027-28 at ₹44,527 Cr Outlay

Tamil Nadu is overhauling its school curriculum with the TN-ARIVU framework, integrating AI and emerging technology from Class I to XII starting 2027-28. With a massive ₹44,527 crore outlay, the state is also launching schemes like Mathichudar, Vetripathai, and PLAY to improve conceptual learning, competitive exam prep, and sports. This is a major state-level education reform that sets a precedent for NEP-aligned curriculum innovation.

AICTE Launches AIEDFP: Rs 245 Crore Doctoral Fellowship for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

AICTE has launched a Rs 245 crore doctoral fellowship programme (AIEDFP) to promote problem-driven, application-oriented PhD research with real-world impact. This is a key step towards linking academic research with industry, startups, and societal needs, aligning with India's goal of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.

BRICS Endorses AI in Education, Explores Global University Ranking System at 13th Education Ministers' Meet

BRICS leaders have agreed to share best practices in AI education, explore a joint university ranking system, and strengthen TVET cooperation. India’s initiative on traditional knowledge systems was noted. This impacts India's role in global education diplomacy and could shape future higher education policies.

Indian Railways Launches First LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU Train; 40% Diesel Replacement, Rs 23.9 Lakh Annual Savings

Indian Railways has launched its first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train from Sabarmati, Gujarat, capable of replacing 40% diesel consumption. This follows the hydrogen train launched in July 2026, marking a strategic shift towards alternative fuels to reduce costs and emissions. For exam aspirants, this is a key case study in energy transition and infrastructure modernization.

Indian Student Mobility Declines 18.5% in 2025 as IITs, IIMs Open Overseas Campuses

Indian students going abroad for study fell for the second consecutive year in 2025, dropping 18.5% to 6.19 lakh. Simultaneously, top Indian institutes like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIM Ahmedabad have established overseas campuses, signaling a dual shift in international education dynamics.

IIT-Ropar MoA: MTech in Defence Technology for Army Officers via Air Defence College

IIT-Ropar will award MTech in Defence Technology to Indian Army officers under a new MoA with Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur. This partnership builds on a 2022 MoU and gives officers formal accreditation, lab access, and research mentorship, strengthening academia-defence collaboration.